Vishnu Chalisa (Shri Vishnu Chalisa)
श्री विष्णु चालीसा
40-verse hymn praising Vishnu as the preserver of the universe, the lord who rests on the cosmic serpent Sheshanaga upon the milk-ocean, and who incarnates as the ten avatars (Dashavatara) whenever dharma declines. Recited by Vaishnava devotees on Thursdays and all Ekadashi tithis.
Significance
In the Vaishnava household, Vishnu Chalisa is recited after the heavier Vishnu Sahasranama (1000 names) to seal the path. It is also the principal hymn of the Anant Chaturdashi vrata, when devotees tie a 14-knotted thread on the arm seeking Vishnu’s protection for fourteen years.
When recited: Thursdays, Ekadashi, Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Anant Chaturdashi, after Vishnu Sahasranama path
Benefits
- Grants protection from sudden calamity and accidents
- Removes the effects of Pitru Dosha and Sarpa Dosha
- Brings peace in family and harmony between generations
- Believed to sustain employment and livelihood
- Recommended during pregnancy for safe childbirth
Opening verses
First 6 verses of the Vishnu Chalisa (Shri Vishnu Chalisa) — the most-recited opening section.
विष्णु जी की मैं करूँ, चालीसा अब वर्णन।
सुनहु प्रेम से सब जन, मनवांछित फल पावन॥
जय विष्णु भगवान् की महिमा, जग में अमित अनूप।
दीनदयालु कृपा निधान तुम, धर्म धुरंधर भूप॥
जय जय श्री हरि नाथ कृपाला। दीनदयालु दानि दयाला॥
अमित कोटि रवि की छवि न्यारी। शोभित नीलकंठ बनवारी॥
Meaning
I now narrate the Chalisa of Lord Vishnu. Listen with love, all people, and receive the wished-for fruit. Glory — the greatness of Lord Vishnu is boundless and unequalled in the world. Compassionate to the lowly, treasure-house of grace, you are the king who upholds dharma. Glory, glory to Sri Hari, gracious lord, kind to the lowly and generous in mercy. Your splendour exceeds that of countless suns; the blue-throated forester (Krishna form) shines forth.
For complete authoritative text
Refer to printed editions from these sources for the full 40-verse chalisa with traditional pronunciation guides: